NORMAN BAKER CALLS FOR NHS DIRECTORY

Local MP Norman Baker today called for the NHS to publish a public directory for Sussex which clarifies the relationship between many bodies which currently make up the National Health Service, and provides easy to find names, addresses and phone numbers.

At present there is no easily available public document which explains the role of hospital trusts, primary care trusts and mental health trusts. There is also little clarification of the geographical dimensions of the areas which they serve. Similarly, the boundaries of catchment areas of GP's surgeries are often unclear.

The lack of a clear explanation of how the different components of the NHS function and interact often leads to patients, and their families, becoming confused and unsure as to which parts of the NHS are best equipped to assist them with whatever problem they may have.

Talking on the issue Norman Baker said:

"I strongly believe that the NHS should publish a comprehensive directory which explains the roles of the many hospital trusts, primary care trusts and mental health trusts, as well as their geographical boundaries. The document should also clarify the geographical relationship between doctors' surgeries, pharmacies, prescriptions and patients. Such a document could be made available through doctors' surgeries, council offices, or perhaps even delivered with annual Council Tax bill.

"This current situation, where patients are left to navigate the complicated system without assistance, is far from perfect and needs to be addressed through the publication of a comprehensive directory at the earliest possible opportunity."